Tooth Extraction Williamsport PA | Wisdom Teeth Removal

Tooth Extractions An Overview

Although considered the treatment of last resort for tooth damage or decay, there are certain reasons for performing a tooth extraction that benefits long-term dental health. For example, tooth extractions can help resolve overcrowded teeth.

They are also necessary when it comes to removing problematic wisdom teeth that are impacting the health or structure of your mouth. Additionally, tooth extraction may be part of an orthodontic treatment plan to realign the teeth if there is overlapping, overcrowding, or other bite-related concerns.

Dr. Kim can perform simple tooth extractions in the comfort of our Williamsport dental office. If your case is complex, as wisdom teeth can be, she will work with you to coordinate treatment with a local oral surgeon and follow up on your care.

Wisdom Teeth Removal in Williamsport, PA

Your wisdom teeth typically begin to grow in during your late teens and early twenties. They cause a variety of issues for your smile. When your wisdom teeth begin to grow, you may experience significant pain or discomfort if there is not enough room in your already-developed smile for additional teeth.

Your adult teeth may attempt to shift around to make space for the wisdom teeth, causing unwanted orthodontic issues. Additionally, because of the placement of wisdom teeth in the far back of the mouth, if allowed to grow in, wisdom teeth often quickly develop tooth decay because they are so difficult to clean during your at-home oral hygiene routine. For all of these reasons, Dr. Kim often recommends tooth extraction when treating patients with wisdom teeth development.

Tooth Extractions What to Expect

A simple tooth extraction is completed in one visit, with most patients being kept comfortable using a local anesthetic.

Once the area is cleaned and the patient feels relaxed and numb, Dr. Kim will gently release the small ligaments that attach the tooth to the gums. She will then rock the tooth back and forth in the socket until it slides out.

The open area will be rinsed, cleaned and then packed with gauze to prevent any debris from entering and causing an infection. If the tooth is not fully grown in, some soft tissue will need to be cut away to extract the affected tooth. If this occurs, the patient will be thoroughly numbed and should not experience any discomfort.

We will provide specific instructions for post-treatment care and if stitches were placed we will schedule your return for removal. Most patients will follow a soft diet for several days and can minimize pain and swelling with over the counter pain medications.

If you experience sudden pain, throbbing pain or a return of bleeding, contact our office immediately for advice on how to proceed.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

After removing your tooth, Dr. Kim will place a piece of gauze over the spot. This helps stop the bleeding. You should bite down on the gauze for about 30 to 45 minutes. If bleeding continues, you can change the gauze and bite down again. Try not to talk or chew during this time.

Once the bleeding slows down, it’s important to rest. Avoid heavy activity for the rest of the day. When lying down, keep your head raised with a pillow. This can help reduce bleeding and swelling.

Do not rinse your mouth or spit forcefully for the first 24 hours. These actions can break the blood clot and cause a painful dry socket. After a day, you can rinse gently with warm salt water. Do this several times a day to keep the area clean.

Pain and swelling are normal after an extraction. Your dentist may give you pain medicine or tell you to take over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen. To help with swelling, apply an ice pack to your cheek for 20 minutes at a time, with breaks in between.

Eat only soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, or applesauce for the first day or two. Avoid crunchy, hot, or spicy foods. Do not drink from a straw, and do not smoke or use tobacco. These habits can slow healing and may cause dry socket.

Keep brushing your teeth, but be gentle around the area where the tooth was removed. Avoid touching the wound with your tongue or fingers. As the days go by, the pain and swelling should get better. Call Dr. Kim immediately if you notice signs of infection like fever, pus, or bad breath.

Tooth Extractions FAQs

How long does it take for the extraction site to heal?

For a simple tooth extraction, the empty socket should be mostly healed within three days. You shouldn’t have any bleeding and there shouldn’t be much swelling either. There might be some soreness, but it should be minimal.

For more extensive extractions, the healing times can vary. We’ll discuss the healing timeline with you before sending you home.

When can I eat after tooth extraction?

You can start eating a few hours after the procedure. For the first 24 hours, stick to mainly fluids or very soft foods like pudding. For the first 3 days, you should stick to soft foods and avoid anything very hot, as heat can impact the healing process. After three days, you can start eating normal foods. However, avoid very crunchy, sticky, or spicy foods for about two weeks.

How should I prepare for a tooth extraction?

There will be a certain amount of time where you should avoid eating before your procedure. We’ll give you a clear number based on the type of extraction and if sedation will be used. Wear something comfortable as well.

Is tooth extraction painful?

Our priority is ensuring that you’re comfortable throughout every aspect of the procedure. We start by discussing the steps with you and numbing the entire area where the tooth will be extracted. At most, patients usually just experience some pressure when we remove the tooth and some soreness when the anesthetic wears off.

Can I smoke after tooth extraction?

No, we advise against smoking during the recovery and healing process. It hinders the healing process and increases your chances of developing a dry socket, leading to a painful recovery. Avoid smoking for as long as you can, as it’ll greatly benefit healing.

Do I need a tooth extraction?

We try to conserve the natural tooth structure as much as possible. However, sometimes extraction is necessary. Your tooth may be too damaged or decayed to save. We also recommend extraction if the tooth can bring harm to the adjacent teeth.